Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Hi all. I have been talking with (name withheld) who lives near SPI and thought I'd arrange to have a few WindPaddle sails down in South Padre Island for folks to demo.

Other than a folding clinic (always a favorite! ) We'll have sails to try. Sailing tips will include launching, running and reaching points of sail and sail trim as well as rigging ideas so one can always have the option of paddling while sailing!

Interested parties should visit the WindPaddle website at http://www.windpaddle.com or email me (nick@windpaddle.com) for specifics. We are planning for May 1 at high noon at the South Padre Island Kayak store. http://www.spikayak.com/

Sunday, April 4, 2010

There seems to be some confusion out there about paddling while using a deployed WindPaddle sail. We always have the ability to paddle when steering our boats that do not have rudders while sailing with the WindPaddle. It all depends upon how you decide to hold the sheets that come off the 10 and 2 o-clock positions of the sail. You CAN paddle while sailing:

1) You can hold the continuous sheet in your hand or hands and still paddle.

2) You may also tie the sheets off to the boa, like a "D"-ring, strap, etc. and have your hands free to paddle. (The sheets will lead down from the top of the sail and above your paddling stroke area).

3) You can tie the sheet to the middle of your paddle and continue to paddle.

4) It is also possibe to either rig a quick-disconnect to your life-vest and fasten the sail sheet to your torso or attach cleats to your cockpit to hold the sheet(s).